Business

Telecoms Operators Flay Police Over Illegal Closure Of Infrastructure

Published

9 years ago

March 7, 2016

The Association of
Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has decried the use of the police by government agents to illegally seal telecommunications Base Transceiver Stations (BTS).
This is contained in a statement signed by the Chairman of ALTON, Mr Gbenga Adebayo, which was obtained by The Tide on Friday in Lagos.
The statement said that the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous) Provisions Act, CAP. C39, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 had clearly criminalised the illegal sealing of telecommunications base stations.
It said that the law had criminalised the destruction and damaging of infrastructure, including telecommunications infrastructure, of which the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) had issued a number of public information in this regard.
“We are aware that in Section 6, the police is empowered to arrest anyone sealing off telecommunications base stations.
“It is a contradiction for the law to empower the Police to protect infrastructure and for the same Police to be used to illegally deny access to property they are enjoined to protect.
“Section 1 (1) (b) criminalises the obstruction of communications, hence denying access to sites using the police ultimately results in obstruction, a process which is to be prevented by the police.
“We, therefore, urge the IGP to kindly direct all Police Commands to strictly enforce taxation demands, pursuant to court orders only.
“Given the need to sensitise the populace on this unlawful act of sealing BTS, the NCC also published a Public Notice where the aforementioned Act was reiterated and the consequences of sealing a BTS was elaborated,’’ it quoted Adebayo as saying.
The statement said that telecommunications development in Nigeria was playing an integral role in the nation’s march towards a greater country
It added that telecommunication services had greatly improved the quality of life of Nigerians, as a people, from basic voice calls, to internet services and numerous value added offers by the operators.
According to the statement, in spite the above, operators still face a number of environmentally-related problems, in particular, on issues of interference with the smooth operations of telecommunications services.
It said that one of such interferences was the incidence of closure of operators’ BTS sites and other telecommunications infrastructure on the excuse of non-payment of arbitrarily-imposed taxes and levies.
The statement said that such taxes and levies imposed by States and Local Government authorities, in the name of Internally generated revenue was having adverse effects on the quality of services rendered by telecommunications operators.
It noted that the Taxes and Levies (Approved list for Collection) Law of 1998 stated in its Section 2 (1) that members of the Nigeria Police shall only be used to collect taxes in accordance with Tax laws.
It also provided that no person, including a tax authority, shall use road blocks to collect taxes.
“A reading of Section 2 (1) and (2) together can only lead to the conclusion that the police should only intervene in the collection of taxes pursuant to lawful order.
“We hereby request that the IGP kindly directs all Police Commands to strictly enforce taxation demands pursuant to court orders only.
“In the case of telecommunications companies, such orders should only be orders of the Federal High Court, since telecommunications is on the exclusive legislative list,’’ the statement quoted Adebayo as saying.

Business

USAID Re-emphasizes Agricultural Collaboration With Nigeria

Published

1 day ago

January 10, 2025

The Tide

The United States Agency for International Development (UNAID) has said its programmes operate transparently and align with the Nigeria’s laws.

A statement issued by the US Mission in Nigeria highlighted the significant achievements of its agricultural collaboration with Nigeria, within the week, saying it has supported over five million Nigerian farmers since 2019.

The agency stated that it has boosted food production and strengthened rural economies across the country through its efforts.

“Recent media coverage has presented an inaccurate picture of US agricultural initiatives in Nigeria, such as assisting local agencies’ efforts in strengthening regulatory processes for agricultural biotechnology”, the statement noted.

The US Mission stressed that its agricultural programmes are developed and implemented with Nigerian experts, farmers, and government officials.

USAID explained its initiative’s focus on practical support for farmers, including market access, agricultural training, and research collaboration.

The agency reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring all research findings and programme details remain publicly accessible through official channels.

“Our agricultural partnership represents a shared commitment to addressing Nigeria’s food security challenges through locally-driven solutions”, it stated.

The US Mission also underscored its ongoing consultations with Nigerian stakeholders, maintaining regular dialogue with farmers, experts, and government agencies.

It reiterated its respect for Nigeria’s agricultural sovereignty and traditions.

“We are proud of our record of supporting Nigerian farmers while respecting local agricultural traditions and practices”, it added.

Business

Nigeria’ll Lead In Agricultural Export This Year – Tinubu

Published

1 day ago

January 10, 2025

The Tide

President Bola Tinubu has expressed his administration’s ambition to position Nigeria as a global leader in agricultural exports as a cornerstone of his Renewed Hope Agenda.

He disclosed this recently at the Road to South-South National Convergence for the Renewed Hope Agenda at the Presidential Villa.

Represented by the Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, he also unveiled the Earn from the Soil Initiative, which aims to transform subsistence farming into a robust, export-driven sector.

“This initiative is a powerful declaration that we are committed to turning our non-oil resources into collective prosperity. Nigeria will be a leading agricultural export nation”, he said.

The Earn from the Soil project was designed to revolutionise Nigeria’s agricultural landscape, creating export opportunities and ensuring national food security.

According to the President, the initiative will empower citizens to become agents of economic prosperity, transforming local farming practices into global economic drivers.

He also highlighted the untapped potential of the South-South region, known for its rich natural resources and talent, and called for more significant investment in non-oil sectors.

“The South-South is open for business just as the whole of Nigeria is ready for business. We are creating an ecosystem of opportunity, innovation, and sustainable growth”, he said.

Tinubu’s administration seeks strategic support from local and international partners to build a resilient economic ecosystem, moving away from reliance on traditional aid.

Tinubu also emphasised the crucial role of young people and women in driving the initiative’s success.

The President assured Nigerians that his administration remains committed to fulfilling its promise of restoring hope and confidence, with the Earn from the Soil initiative marking a significant step in achieving that vision.

On her part, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South-South), Hon Gift Johnbull, has spotlighted the South-South region as a critical hub of untapped economic potential, calling for strategic partnerships to unlock its vast resources and foster national growth.

She underscored the region’s significant contributions to Nigeria’s economy, particularly in oil and gas, while emphasising its underutilised agriculture, innovation, and entrepreneurship opportunities.

She also called on investors, policymakers, and stakeholders to see the South-South as a gateway to new opportunities, citing initiatives such as the Pitching Den, launched at the event, as a platform to attract bold entrepreneurs and visionary investors.

“This is your moment to recognise the South-South as a hub of untapped potential”, she said.

The event also featured the unveiling of the Impact Report, highlighting milestones achieved under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The report showcased how targeted initiatives have empowered communities and driven progress in the South-South.

Business

NDLEA, NIMASA Strengthen Cooperation Against Drug Trafficking

Published

1 day ago

January 10, 2025

The Tide

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has recommited to supporting the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking within Nigeria’s maritime sector.

Chairman of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd), emphasized this during a courtesy visit by the NDLEA to the NIMASA Towers in Lagos.

Speaking during the visit, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, commended the NDLEA for its remarkable achievements in combating drug-related crimes across Nigeria.

He pledged NIMASA’s commitment to collaborating with the NDLEA to secure Nigeria’s maritime domain against illicit shipment of drugs.

“We are glad to welcome the NDLEA team, led by Brig. Gen. Marwa, whose exemplary leadership has brought significant progress in the fight against illicit drugs.

“NIMASA is firmly committed to partnering with the NDLEA to tackle the menace of drug trafficking, particularly through our nation’s ports and terminals.

“Together, we can ensure that the Nigerian maritime domain is not exploited for criminal activities”, Mobereola stated.

Responding, Marwa expressed gratitude for the warm reception and emphasized the need for collaboration to address the rising threat of drug trafficking through maritime channels.

“As the agency responsible for controlling drug abuse and trafficking in Nigeria, we recognize that this task requires collaboration with critical stakeholders like NIMASA.

“The global maritime space has increasingly become a conduit for the illegal movement of drugs, and we are keen to work with NIMASA to address this challenge”, he said.

He continued that “Recent seizures of illicit drugs transported through Lagos ports underscore the need for joint efforts to secure our ports. Within the NDLEA, we have established a Marine Command to focus on this emerging threat.

“We propose close collaboration between this unit and NIMASA, particularly through the Deep Blue Project, to enhance the protection of Nigeria’s maritime space”.

The NDLEA Chairman also pledged the agency’s support in sensitizing NIMASA staff and cadets under the National Seafarers Development Program (NSDP) on the dangers of drug abuse.

Mobereola assured Marwa that NIMASA would explore avenues to integrate NDLEA personnel into the existing maritime security architecture, particularly the Deep Blue Project.